CO2 recovery device and CO2 recovery method

ABSTRACT

An absorption column is equipped with: a CO2 absorption section absorbing CO2 from CO2-containing exhaust gas using a lean solution; a main rinse section recovering an entrained CO2 absorbent using rinse water; a rinse water circulation line circulating a rinse water containing the CO2 absorbent recovered in a liquid storage section of the main rinse section; a pre-rinse section provided between the CO2 absorption section and the main rinse section; a rinse section extraction liquid supply line extracting a portion of the rinse water containing the CO2 absorbent from the rinse water circulation line, and introducing the same into a reflux section of an absorption liquid regeneration tower; and a refluxed water supply line extracting a portion of refluxed water, introducing the same as pre-rinse water for the pre-rinse section, and connected on the pre-rinse section side.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a CO₂ recovery device and a CO₂ recovery method that reduce the concentration of basic amine compounds released while remaining in a CO₂-removed flue gas that comes into contact with an absorption liquid with CO₂ removed therefrom.

BACKGROUND ART

As one of the causes of the global warming phenomenon, the greenhouse effect caused by CO₂ is pointed out, and countermeasures thereagainst have also been required internationally in order to protect the environment of earth. As generation sources of CO₂, in the fields of activity of all the human beings that combust fossil fuels, the requirement for suppression of emission of CO₂ tends to become stronger. Along with this, methods of bringing flue gas of boilers into contact with amine-based absorption liquids, such as aqueous amine compound solutions and removing and recovering CO₂ in the flue gas have been energetically studied for, for example, power generation facilities, such as thermoelectric power plants that use a large quantity of fossil fuels.

In a case where CO₂ is recovered from flue gas using such absorption liquids, amine compounds are entrained in CO₂-removed flue gas from which CO₂ has been recovered. Also, in order to prevent a situation in which air pollution caused by the amine compounds occurs, it is necessary to reduce the emission amount of the amine compounds emitted together with the CO₂-removed flue gas.

In the related art, PTL 1 discloses providing a plurality of rinse sections that bring rinse water into gas-liquid contact with CO₂-removed flue gas from which CO₂ has been absorbed and removed by gas-liquid contact with an absorption liquid, thereby recovering amine compounds entrained in the CO₂-removed flue gas, and sequentially performing recovery processing of amines entrained in the CO₂-removed flue gas in the plurality of rinse sections. As the rinse water of this PTL 1, condensed water separated by condensing moisture contained in CO₂ in the processing of removing CO₂ from the amine-based absorption liquid that has absorbed CO₂, and regenerating the amine-based absorption liquid is used.

Additionally, in the related art, PTL 2 discloses providing a cooling section that cools CO₂-removed flue gas from which CO₂ has been absorbed and removed by the gas-liquid contact with an absorption liquid, and a contacting section that brings condensed water condensed in the cooling section into countercurrent contact with the CO₂-removed flue gas. Moreover, PTL 2 discloses providing a rinse section that brings rinse water into gas-liquid contact with the CO₂-removed flue gas from which CO₂ has been absorbed and removed by gas-liquid contact with the absorption liquid, thereby recovering amine compounds entrained in the CO₂-removed flue gas, and condensed water that has been condensed in a cooling column that cools the flue gas before CO₂ is recovered and is used as rinse water.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

[PTL 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2002-126439

[PTL 2] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 8-80421

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

However, in recent years, it has been desired to further reduce the concentration of an absorption liquid component emitted while remaining in the CO₂-removed flue gas from a viewpoint of environmental preservation. Particularly, in a case where a CO₂ recovery device is installed with respect to flue gas from thermoelectric power plants or the like with a high processing gas flow rate expected in the future, since the emission amount of the flue gas is large, the emission amount of the absorption liquid component emitted while remaining in the CO₂-removed flue gas tends to increase, and it is required to further reduce the concentration of basic amine compounds (absorption liquid component) to be emitted.

The invention solves the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a CO₂ recovery device and a CO₂ recovery method that can further reduce the concentration of basic amine compounds released while remaining in a CO₂-removed flue gas.

Solution to Problem

A first invention of the invention for solving the above problems is a CO₂ recovery device including a CO₂ absorption column that brings a CO₂-containing flue gas containing CO₂ into contact with a CO₂ absorption liquid and removes CO₂, and an absorption liquid regeneration column that regenerates the CO₂ absorption liquid that has absorbed the CO₂. A lean solution, from which CO₂ has been removed in the absorption liquid regeneration column, being reused in the CO₂ absorption column. The CO₂ absorption column includes a CO₂ absorption section that absorbs CO₂ in the CO₂-containing flue gas with the CO₂ absorption liquid, a main rinse section that is provided on a gas flow downstream side of the CO₂ absorption section, cools flue gas after CO₂ removal with rinse water, and recovers an entrained CO₂ absorbent with the rinse water, a rinse water circulation line that supplies and circulates the rinse water containing the CO₂ absorbent recovered in a liquid storage section of the main rinse section from a top part side of the main rinse section, a pre-rinse section that is provided between the CO₂ absorption section and the main rinse section, a rinse section extraction liquid supply line that extracts a portion of the rinse water containing the CO₂ absorbent from the rinse water circulation line, is connected to a top part side of a reflux section, of the absorption liquid regeneration column, and introduces the portion of the rinse water into the reflux section, and a refluxed water supply line that extracts a portion of refluxed water from a side closer to a column bottom part than an introduction position of the reflux section, is connected to the pre-rinse section side, and introduces the portion of the refluxed water as pre-rinse water of the pre-rinse section.

A second invention is the CO₂ recovery device based on the first invention in which the pre-rinse section includes a pre-rinse water circulation line that supplies and circulates pre-rinse water from a top part side of the pre-rinse section, the refluxed water supply line is connected to the pre-rinse water circulation line, and a portion of the refluxed water is introduced as the pre-rinse water.

A third invention is the CO₂ recovery device based on the first or second, further including a deep rinse section that is provided on a gas flow downstream side of the main rinse section, and performs deep rinsing of the flue gas after CO₂ removal after main rinsing with rinse water supplied from the outside.

A fourth invention is a CO₂ recovery method of circulating and reusing a lean solution, from which CO₂ has been removed in an absorption liquid regeneration column, in a CO₂ absorption column, using the CO₂ absorption column that brings a CO₂-containing flue gas containing CO₂ into contact with a CO₂ absorption liquid and removes CO₂; and an absorption liquid regeneration column that separates CO₂ absorption liquid and regenerates the CO₂ absorption liquid that has absorbed the CO₂. The method includes pre-rinsing the CO₂-removed flue gas is performed using pre-rinse water extracted from a portion of reflux section obtained by a portion of rinse water used for the main rinsing being extracted, introduced into a reflux section of the absorption liquid regeneration column, and mixed with high-temperature refluxed water in the reflux section when main rinsing of CO₂-removed flue gas is performed with rinse water on a downstream side of the CO₂ absorption column, and pre-rinsing of the CO₂-removed flue gas after CO₂ recovery is performed on an upstream side where the main rinsing is performed.

A fifth invention is the CO₂ recovery method based on the fourth invention in which deep rinsing is performed with deep rinsing water supplied from the outside of a rinse section on a downstream side of the main rinse section.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the invention, the concentration of basic amine compounds of the absorption liquid released while remaining in the CO₂-removed flue gas can be further reduced, and the recovered absorption liquid can be reused.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a CO₂ recovery device according to Embodiment 1.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of main sections of an absorption liquid regeneration column according to Embodiment 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a CO₂ recovery device according to Embodiment 2.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a CO₂ recovery device according to Embodiment 3.

FIG. 5 is a graph of a concentration ratio of an entrained absorbent in an absorption column outlet gas in a test example.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described below in detail with reference to the entrained drawings. In addition, the invention is not limited by the embodiments and includes those configured by combining respective embodiments in a case where there are a plurality of embodiments.

Embodiment 1

A CO₂ recovery device according to an example according to the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the CO₂ recovery device according to Embodiment 1.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, a CO₂ recovery device 10A according to the present embodiment is a CO₂ recovery device that includes a CO₂ absorption column (hereinafter referred to as an “absorption column”) 13 that brings a CO₂-containing flue gas 11A containing CO₂ into contact with a CO₂ absorption liquid (lean solution 12B) and removes CO₂, and an absorption liquid regeneration column (hereinafter referred to as a “regeneration column”) 14 that regenerates the CO₂ absorption liquid (rich solution 12A) that has absorbed the CO₂. The lean solution 12B, from which CO₂ has been removed in the regeneration column 14, is reused in the CO₂ absorption column 13. The absorption column 13 includes a CO₂ absorption section 13A that absorbs CO₂ in the CO₂-containing flue gas 11A with the CO₂ absorption liquid (lean solution) 12B, a main rinse section 13C that is provided on a gas flow downstream side of the CO₂ absorption section 13A, cools the flue gas 11B after CO₂ removal with rinse water 20, and recovers an entrained CO₂ absorbent with the rinse water 20, a rinse water circulation line L₁ that supplies and circulates the rinse water 20 containing the CO₂ absorbent recovered in a liquid storage section 21 of the main rinse section 13C from a top part side of the main rinse section 13C, a pre-rinse section 13B that is provided between the CO₂ absorption section 13A and the main rinse section 13C, a rinse section extraction liquid supply line L₂ that extracts a portion 20 a of the rinse water 20 containing the CO₂ absorbent from the rinse water circulation line L₁, is connected to a top part side of a reflux section 17 of the absorption liquid regeneration column 14, and introduces the portion 20 a of the rinse water 20 into the reflux section 17, and a refluxed water supply line L₃ that extracts a portion of refluxed water from a side closer to a column bottom part than an introduction position of the reflux section 17, is connected to the pre-rinse section 13B side, and introduces the portion of the refluxed water as pre-rinse water 20 b of the pre-rinse section 13B.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the portion 20 a of the rinse water 20 containing the CO₂ absorption liquid is extracted as it is from the rinse water circulation line L₁. However, the invention is not limited to this. A storage part that temporarily stores the portion 20 a of the rinse water 20 containing the CO₂ absorption liquid may be provided separately from the rinse water circulation line L₁ such that the portion 20 a is extracted from this storage part.

The CO₂ recovery device 10A of the present embodiment has the absorption column 13 that brings the CO₂-containing flue gas 11A containing CO₂ into contact with the lean solution 12B and removes CO₂, and the regeneration column 14 that regenerates the rich solution 12A that has absorbed CO₂, and efficiently removes CO₂ from the CO₂-containing flue gas 11A containing CO₂, circulating and reusing the lean solution 12B, from which the CO₂ has been removed in the regeneration column 14, in the CO₂ absorption column 13.

The CO₂ absorption column 13 of the present embodiment includes the CO₂ absorption section 13A that absorbs CO₂ in the CO₂-containing flue gas 11A, the pre-rinse section 13B that is provided on the gas flow downstream side of the CO₂ absorption section 13A, and performs pre-rinsing of the flue gas 11B after CO₂ removal, and the main rinse section 13C that performs main rinsing of flue gas 11C after CO₂ removal after the pre-rinsing.

Here, inside the CO₂ absorption column 13, the CO₂-containing flue gas 11A introduced from the outside in the absorption column bottom part 13 b is brought into countercurrent contact with the CO₂ absorption liquid 12 having a CO₂ absorbent, such as alkanolamine, as a base, in the CO₂ absorption section 13A provided on a lower part side of the CO₂ absorption column 13. The, as a result of this countercurrent contact, CO₂ in the CO₂-containing flue gas 11A is absorbed into the CO₂ absorption liquid 12 by a chemical reaction (R-NH₂+H₂O+CO₂→R—NH₃HCO₃). As a result, CO₂ hardly remains in the flue gas 11B after CO₂ removal that passes through the CO₂ absorption section 13A and rises inside the CO₂ absorption column 13.

The flue gas 11B after CO₂ removal is rinsed by the main rinse section 13C on the gas flow downstream side. However, in the present embodiment, before the flue gas is introduced into this main rinse section 13C, the pre-rinse section 13B is provided, and the pre-rinsing is performed in the pre-rinse section.

In the pre-rinse section 13B, the flue gas 11B after CO₂ removal is brought into gas-liquid contact with the pre-rinse water 20 b and is pre-rinsed, and the CO₂ absorbent entrained in the flue gas 11B after CO₂ removal is rinsed.

Here, the reason why the CO₂ absorbent in the CO₂ absorption liquid 12 is entrained in the flue gas 11B after CO₂ removal will be described. Water vapor is entrained in the CO₂-containing flue gas 11A that rises inside the CO₂ absorption section 13A within the absorption column 13, from a relationship of a saturated water vapor pressure at the temperature of the flue gas.

When the flue gas 11B after CO₂ removal containing this water vapor is brought into counter-current contact with the CO₂ absorption liquid 12, an extremely small portion of the CO₂ absorbent is entrained in the flue gas 11B after CO₂ removal as mist through entrainment, as water vapor from the relationship of the saturated water vapor pressure.

As a result, the a CO₂ absorbent is slightly included in the flue gas 11B after CO₂ removal that has passed through the CO₂ absorption section 13A.

Additionally, in the main rinse section 13C, when the rinse water 20 that is condensed water is produced from the water vapor entrained in the flue gas 11B through the cooling of the flue gas 11B after CO₂ removal, and the entrained CO₂ absorbent is dissolved in the flue gas 11B, the CO₂ absorbent is slightly included in the rinse water 20.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, first, in the pre-rinse section 13B, the CO₂ absorbent in the flue gas 11B after CO₂ removal is rinsed and removed in the pre-rinse water 20 b.

The flue gas 11C after CO₂ removal after having passed through the pre-rinse section 13B rises to the main rinse section 13C side via a chimney tray 16, comes into gas-liquid contact with the rinse water 20 supplied from the top part side of the main rinse section 13C, and recovers the CO₂ absorbent entrained in the flue gas 11C after CO₂ removal through circulation rinsing.

In the main rinse section 13C, the rinse water 20 stored in the liquid storage section 21 of the chimney tray 16 is circulated in the rinse water circulation line L₁ so as to perform circulation rinsing. In addition, a cooling section 22 is provided in the rinse water circulation line L₁, and performs cooling to a predetermined temperature (for example, 40° C. or lower). The rinse water 20 is circulated by a circulation pump 57 provided in the rinse water circulation line L₁. The CO₂ absorbent entrained in the flue gas 11C after CO₂ removal can be further recovered and removed by the main rinsing using this circulating rinse water 20.

Thereafter, flue gas 11D after CO₂ removal from which the CO₂ absorbent has been removed is released from a column top part 13 a of the CO₂ absorption column 13 to the outside. In addition, reference sign 75 represents a mist eliminator that traps mist in gas.

In this way, in the present embodiment, the pre-rinse section 13B and the main rinse section 13C are provided, and the CO₂ absorption liquid dissolved in the condensed water entrained in the flue gases 11B and 11C after CO₂ removal is rinsed and removed in two steps. Thus, the CO₂ absorption liquid entrained in the flue gases 11B and 11C after CO₂ removal can be reliably recovered and removed.

As a result, the concentration of a CO₂ absorbent, such as basic amine compounds released while remaining in the flue gas 11D after CO₂ removal released to the outside, can be further reduced.

The rich solution 12A that has absorbed CO₂ is raised in pressure by a rich solvent pump 51 interposed in a rich solution supply pipe 50, is heated in a rich/lean solution heat exchanger 52 with the lean solution 12B regenerated in the absorption liquid regeneration column 14, and is supplied to a top part side of the absorption liquid regeneration column 14.

The rich solution 12A released from the top part side of the regeneration column 14 to the inside of the column releases most of CO₂ in a CO₂ release part 14A through heating using the steam from a column bottom part 14 b. The CO₂ absorption liquid 12 that released a portion or most of CO₂ within the regeneration column 14 is referred to as “semi-lean solution”. This semi-lean solution that is not illustrated becomes the lean solution 12B from which substantially all CO₂ has been removed when flowing down to a bottom part of the regeneration column 14. The lean solution 12B is heated with saturated steam 62 in a regenerative heater 61 interposed in a circulation line L₂₀. The saturated steam 62 after heating becomes steam condensed water 63.

Meanwhile, CO₂ gas 41 that has entrained the water vapor dissipated from the rich solution 12A and the semi-lean solution (not illustrated) inside the column is released from a column top part 14 a of the regeneration column 14. Then, the CO₂ gas 41 which has entrained the water vapor is led out by a gas release line L₂₁, and the water vapor is condensed by a condenser 42 interposed in the gas release line L₂₁, condensed water 44 is separated by a separation drum 43, CO₂ gas 45 is emitted to the outside of the system, and post-processing, such as compression recovery, is separately performed. The condensed water 44 separated in the separation drum 43 is supplied to an upper part of the absorption liquid regeneration column 14 by a condensed water circulation pump 46 interposed in a condensed water line L₂₂. In addition, although not illustrated, a portion of the condensed water 44 may be supplied to the rinse water circulation line L₁ of the rinse water 20 containing the CO₂ absorption liquid, and may be used for absorption of the CO₂ absorption liquid 12 entrained in the flue gas 11C after CO₂ removal.

The regenerated CO₂ absorption liquid (lean solution 12B) is sent to the CO₂ absorption column 13 side by a lean solution pump 54 via a lean solution supply pipe 53, and is circulated and used as the CO₂ absorption liquid 12. In this case, the lean solution 12B is cooled up to a predetermined temperature by the cooling section 55, and is supplied into the CO₂ absorption section 13A via a nozzle 56.

Therefore, the CO₂ absorption liquid 12 forms a closed path that circulates through the CO₂ absorption column 13 and the absorption liquid regeneration column 14, and is reused in the CO₂ absorption section 13A of the CO₂ absorption column 13. In addition, the CO₂ absorption liquid 12 is supplied by a supply line (not illustrated) if necessary, and the CO₂ absorption liquid is regenerated by a reclaimer (not illustrated) if necessary.

In addition, the CO₂-containing flue gas 11A supplied to the CO₂ absorption column 13 is cooled with cooling water 71 in a cooling column 70 provided on the upstream side of the CO₂ absorption column, and is introduced into the CO₂ absorption column 13 after that. In addition, a portion of the cooling water 71 may also be supplied to a top part of the main rinse section 13C as the rinse water 20 of the CO₂ absorption column 13, and may be used for rinsing of the CO₂ absorption liquid 12 entrained in the flue gas 11B after CO₂ removal. In addition, reference sign 72 represents a circulation pump, 73 represents a cooler, and 74 represents a circulation line.

In the present embodiment, the portion 20 a of the rinse water 20 used in the main rinse section 13C is introduced into the reflux section 17 of the regeneration column 14, and a portion of refluxed water extracted from this reflux section 17 is used as the rinse water to be used in the pre-rinse section 13B within the absorption column 13.

Here, in the present embodiment, the portion 20 a of the rinse water 20 containing the CO₂ absorbent is extracted from the rinse water circulation line L₁ of the main rinse section 13C by the rinse section extraction liquid supply line L₂. The rinse section extraction liquid supply line L₂ is connected to an introduction position X on the column top part 14 a side of the reflux section 17 of the absorption liquid regeneration column 14, and the portion 20 a of the rinse water 20 containing the CO₂ absorbent is introduced into the reflux section 17 at this introduction position. In addition, the extraction amount of the portion 20 a of the rinse water 20 is adjusted by an adjusting valve 24 interposed in the rinse section extraction liquid supply line L₂.

Then, in the reflux section 17, the condensed water 44 is introduced, becomes refluxed water, and is mixed with this refluxed water. Then, a portion of the refluxed water is extracted from a position Y closer to the column bottom part 14 b than the introduction position X of the portion 20 a of the rinse water 20 containing the CO₂ absorbent by the refluxed water supply line L₃. Then, the refluxed water is introduced as the pre-rinse water 20 b of the pre-rinse section 13B by the refluxed water supply line L₃ connected to the pre-rinse section 13B side.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the main sections of the absorption liquid regeneration column according to Embodiment 1.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, in the reflux section 17 of the regeneration column 14, a plurality of stage trays 17 a to 17 d are arranged, and the CO₂ gas 41, which has entrained the water vapor after CO₂ is released in the CO₂ release part 14A of the regeneration column 14, is raised.

That is, as illustrated in FIG. 2, in the reflux section 17 of the regeneration column 14, the refluxed water generated by the CO₂ gas 41 that has entrained the water vapor from a lower part of the regeneration column 14 in the reflux section 17, and the portion 20 a of the rinse water 20 containing the CO₂ absorbent are mixed with each other when fall from the shelf stage trays 17 a to 17 d.

In the reflux section 17, the portion 20 a of the rinse water 20 rises in temperature, is then extracted as a portion of the refluxed water from the extraction position Y closer to the column bottom part 14 b side than the portion 20 a of the introduction position X of the rinse water 20, and is used as the pre-rinse water 20 b of the pre-rinse section 13B.

Here, the regeneration column reflux section may be a plate column or a packed column. In addition, it is preferable to adopt the plate column under the condition of a low liquid flow rate.

As specific examples of this plate column, for example, a valve tray, a bubble cap tray, a porous plate tray, and the like of a cross current contact type having a downcomer can be exemplified.

In the present embodiment, it is preferable that the number of stages of the reflux section 17 are four or more stages from a viewpoint of gas-liquid contact efficiency. In addition, a cross current contact type four-stage tray is illustrated in Example of FIG. 2.

Although there is no particular limitation to a method of supplying the liquid from the outside of the column, in the present embodiment, an aspect in which liquid supply is supplied by the condensed water 44 of the downcomer, and the rinse section extraction liquid supply line L₂ from an opposite direction is exemplified.

The liquid supply from an upper stage tray 17 a to a lower stage tray 17 b may be performed by a method of making a liquid flow down inside the column in a downcomer part or a method of supplying a liquid to a lower stage via a pipe outside the column from the downcomer part. In addition, the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 is an example of liquid supply to a lower stage inside the column.

As for the moisture condensation of the reflux section 17, gas temperature falls to, for example, about 5° C., due to the contact of the CO₂ gas 41 containing water vapor at a temperature of about 100° C. with the reflux liquid and a rinse section extraction supply liquid at a low temperature, in a lowest stage tray 17 d of the reflux section 17. As a result, the water vapor in the CO₂ gas 41 containing the water vapor is condensed. Therefore, as compared to a rinse section extraction liquid supply amount (with no supply to the reflux section) as in the related art, in the present embodiment, for example, a liquid flow rate of about 1.6 times is obtained by supplying the portion 20 a of the rinse water 20 to the reflux section 17, and the condensation.

In this case, the concentration of the absorbent in the rinse section extraction liquid falls to, for example, about 0.6 times as compared to the related art, and an extraction liquid temperature (T₁) of a portion of the refluxed water from the reflux section 17 rises to, for example, about 36° C. higher than an introduction temperature (T₀) of the portion 20 a of the rinse water 20 containing the CO₂ absorbent introduced into the reflux section 17.

Since a partial extraction liquid of the refluxed water from the reflux section 17 of which the temperature has risen is introduced into the pre-rinse section 13B as the pre-rinse water 20 b, pre-rinsing efficiency increases as compared to the related art.

In the pre-rinse section 13B, in the desorption of the absorbent from the absorption liquid mist entrained in the flue gas 11B after CO₂ removal, an equilibrium point is the concentration of the absorbent in the rinse section rinse water. If the absorbent in the rinse water has low concentration as in the present embodiment, a difference from the concentration of the absorbent in the mist is large, and the desorption of the CO₂ absorbent from the mist is markedly promoted compared to the related art.

Moreover, since the liquid temperature of the pre-rinse water 20 b introduced into the pre-rinse section 13B is high as in the present embodiment, not only a driving force of the above absorbent concentration difference in the liquid (absorbent equilibrium pressure difference) but also a mass transfer coefficient rises. Therefore, an absorbent desorption rate expressed by the product of the mass transfer coefficient and the driving force is markedly improved compared to the related art.

Additionally, since a total amount of the portion 20 a of the rinse water 20 is not supplied to the column bottom part 14 b of the regeneration column 14, the reboiler amount of the regenerative heater 61 can be reduced.

In this way, the CO₂ absorption liquid 12 that is used to circulate through the CO₂ absorption column 13 and the absorption liquid regeneration column 14 is prevented from being released to the outside of the absorption column 13 by bringing the flue gases 11B and 11C after CO₂ removal into counter-current contact with the rinse water 20, thereby absorbing and removing the CO₂ absorption liquid 12 entrained in the CO₂-removed flue gases 11B and 11C with the rinse water 20, in the pre-rinse section 13B and the main rinse section 13C.

In this rinsing, a portion of the refluxed water, of which the liquid temperature is raised and the concentration of the absorbent is lowered by the portion 20 a of the rinse water 20 used in the main rinse section 13C being extracted, introduced into the reflux section 17 on the regeneration column 14 side, and mixed with high-temperature refluxed water in the reflux section 17, is used as the pre-rinse water 20 b to be used in the pre-rinse section 13B. Thus, efficient recovery of the absorbent resulting from by promotion of the diffusion of the absorbent from the mist on the basis of higher temperature of the pre-rinse water 20 b and lower concentration of the contained absorbent in the pre-rinse section 13B can be achieved, and the amount of diffusion of the absorbent entrained in the gases can be reduced.

Test Example 1

A test in which the effects of Embodiment 1 of the invention were confirmed was performed.

That is, carbon dioxide was removed by supplying 200 Nm³/h of combustion flue gas containing 14% of carbon dioxide to the CO₂ absorption section 13A of the absorption column 13, and brining the combustion flue gas into countercurrent contact with a basic amine solution (CO₂ absorption liquid). In the present test example the pre-rinse section 13B was provided on a downstream (upper part) side of the CO₂ absorption section 13A. As the pre-rinse water 20 b of the pre-rinse section 13B, there was used one obtained by the portion 20 a of the rinse water 20 used in the main rinse section 13C being extracted, introduced into the reflux section 17 on the regeneration column 14 side, mixed with the high-temperature refluxed water in the reflux section 17, and extracted therefrom. The pre-rinse water 20 b and the flue gas 11B after CO₂ removal were brought into countercurrent contact with each other, were made to flow down directly to the CO₂ absorption liquid of the CO₂ absorption section 13A, were brought into countercurrent contact with the rinse water in a liquid/gas ratio of 4 L/Nm³ in the main rinse section 13C, and were passed through a mist eliminator 75 at an outlet.

The results are illustrated in FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a graph in which the concentrations of entrained substances in absorption column outlet gases in Test Example 1 are contrasted. In FIG. 5, the left side represents a related-art method that is a case where a portion of the rinse water 20 was supplied as it is from the main rinse section to the pre-rinse section. In contrast, the right side represents a case where high-temperature diluted pre-rinse water 20 b obtained by the portion 20 a of the rinse water 20 used in the main rinse section 13C being extracted, introduced into the reflux section 17 on the regeneration column 14, mixed with the high-temperature refluxed water in the reflux section 17, and extracted therefrom was used for the pre-rinse section 13B according to the present embodiment. In a case where the high-temperature diluted pre-rinse water 20 b was used for the pre-rinse section 13B as in the test example, the concentration ratio of an entrained substance in the absorption column outlet gas (CO₂ absorption liquid-removed flue gas 11D) was reduced to 0.96 in the present test example if the concentration ratio was set to 1 in the related art.

Embodiment 2

A CO₂ recovery device according to another embodiment according to the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the CO₂ recovery device according to Embodiment 2. In addition, the same components as those of the CO₂ recovery device 10A according to Embodiment 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 will be designated by the same reference signs, and the duplicate description thereof will be omitted. As illustrated in FIG. 3, a CO₂ recovery device 10B of the present embodiment further includes a deep rinse section 13D, which is provided on the gas flow downstream side (column upper stage side) of the main rinse section 13C, and performs deep rinsing with the rinse water supplied from the outside of the rinse section, in the CO₂ recovery device 10A illustrated in FIG. 1.

In the present embodiment, a branch line L₂₃, which supplies a portion 44 a of the condensed water 44 separated out of the CO₂ gas 41 that has entrained the water vapor released from the column top part 14 a of the regeneration column 14 to the outside, is connected to the deep rinse section 13D. Then, the portion 44 a of the condensed water 44 is supplied by the branch line L₂₃, and is used as the rinse water in the deep rinse section 13D.

Additionally, a cooling section 25 may be provided in the branch line L₂₃ so as to cool the portion 44 a of the condensed water 44 to a predetermined temperature (for example, 40° C. or lower).

The portion 44 a of the condensed water 44 is separated out of the CO₂ gas 41 that has entrained the water vapor released from the regeneration column 14 to the outside. Hence, since the condensed water 44 is water with almost no entrainment of the CO₂ absorption liquid, the rinsing effects of the deep rinsing are exhibited.

Additionally, ion exchanged water may be separately provided as the deep rinse water in the deep rinse section 13D besides using the portion 44 a of the condensed water 44.

In this way, in the present embodiment, a liquid with a low gas-entrained substance concentration, such as the CO₂ absorption liquid, is used as the deep rinse water, and is brought into gas-liquid contact with the flue gas 11D after CO₂ removal on a rearmost downstream side (column top part 13 a side) on the final stage of the rinse section. Accordingly, the concentration of the CO₂ absorption liquid diffused from the column top part 13 a of the absorption column 13 to the outside can be further reduced.

As a result, the concentration of basic amine compounds released while remaining in CO₂-removed flue gas 11E1 released to the outside can be further reduced compared to Embodiment 1.

Embodiment 3

A CO₂ recovery device according to still another embodiment according to the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the CO₂ recovery device according to Embodiment 3. In addition, the same components as those of the CO₂ recovery devices 10A and 10B according to Embodiments 1 and 2 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3 will be designated by the same reference signs, and the duplicate description thereof will be omitted. As illustrated in FIG. 4, in a CO₂ recovery device 10C of the present embodiment, a pre-rinse water circulation line L₄ through which the pre-rinse water 20 b circulates is installed in the pre-rinse section 13B, in the CO₂ recovery device 10B illustrated in FIG. 3. The pre-rinse water 20 b stored in the liquid storage section 21 of the chimney tray 16 of the pre-rinse section 13B is introduced into the pre-rinse water circulation line L₄. Also, the pre-rinse water 20 b is circulated by a circulation pump 58 provided in the pre-rinse water circulation line L₄. Therefore, in the pre-rinse section 13B of the present embodiment, the pre-rinse water 20 b that falls in the liquid storage section 21 is recovered, and is circulated and reused in the pre-rinse water circulation line L₄.

Additionally, in the present embodiment, an end part of the refluxed water supply line L₃ that extracts a portion of the refluxed water is connected to the pre-rinse water circulation line L₄ such that the portion is introduce as the pre-rinse water 20 b of the pre-rinse section 13B.

As a result, according to the present embodiment, efficient recovery of the absorbent resulting from the promotion of the diffusion of the absorbent from the mist based on higher temperature of the pre-rinse water 20 b and lower concentration of the contained absorbent in the pre-rinse section 13B can be achieved, and the amount of diffusion of the absorbent entrained in the gases can be reduced.

Here, in the present embodiment, all of the pre-rinse water 20 b is not dropped to the CO₂ absorption section 13A unlike Example 2. Thus, in order to maintain the liquid level of the liquid storage section 21 at a height in a certain range, surplus water is generated. For this reason, the present embodiment includes a pre-rinse water surplus extraction line L₅ that extracts a portion of the pre-rinse water 20 b as the surplus water from the pre-rinse water circulation line L₄. An end part of the pre-rinse water surplus extraction line L₅ is connected to the lean solution supply pipe 53 that supplies the lean solution 12B. Accordingly, the extraction water obtained by extracting a portion of the pre-rinse water 20 b joins the lean solution 12B so as to be introduced into the CO₂ absorption section 13A.

As a result, the surplus water extracted from the pre-rinse water surplus extraction line L₅, and supplied to the lean solution supply pipe 53 is uniformly mixed with the lean solution 12B. This mixed lean solution is then cooled by the cooling section 55 provided in the lean solution supply pipe 53, so that further efficient absorption of CO₂ in the CO₂ absorption section 13A can be achieved.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   -   10A to 10C: CO₂ RECOVERY DEVICE     -   11A: CO₂-CONTAINING FLUE GAS     -   12: CO₂ ABSORPTION LIQUID     -   12A: RICH SOLUTION     -   12B: LEAN SOLUTION     -   13: CO₂ ABSORPTION COLUMN (ABSORPTION COLUMN)     -   13A: CO₂ ABSORPTION SECTION     -   13B: PRE-RINSE SECTION     -   13C: MAIN RINSE SECTION     -   13D: DEEP RINSE SECTION     -   14: ABSORPTION LIQUID REGENERATION COLUMN (REGENERATION COLUMN)     -   20: RINSE WATER     -   20 a: PORTION OF RINSE WATER     -   20 b: PRE-RINSE WATER     -   L₁: RINSE WATER CIRCULATION LINE     -   L₂: RINSE SECTION EXTRACTION LIQUID SUPPLY LINE     -   L₃: REFLUXED WATER SUPPLY LINE     -   L₄: PRE-RINSE WATER CIRCULATION LINE     -   L₅: PRE-RINSE WATER SURPLUS EXTRACTION LINE 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A CO₂ recovery device comprising: a CO₂ absorption column that brings a CO₂-containing flue gas containing CO₂ into contact with a CO₂ absorption liquid and removes CO₂; and an absorption liquid regeneration column that regenerates the CO₂ absorption liquid that has absorbed the CO₂, wherein a lean solution, from which CO₂ has been removed in the absorption liquid regeneration column, is reused in the CO₂ absorption column, the CO₂ absorption column includes a CO₂ absorption section that absorbs CO₂ in the CO₂-containing flue gas with the CO₂ absorption liquid, a main rinse section that is provided on a gas flow downstream side of the CO₂ absorption section, cools flue gas after CO₂ removal with rinse water, and recovers an entrained CO₂ absorbent with the rinse water, a rinse water circulation line that supplies and circulates the rinse water containing the CO₂ absorbent recovered in a liquid storage section of the main rinse section from a top part side of the main rinse section, a pre-rinse section that is provided between the CO₂ absorption section and the main rinse section, a rinse section extraction liquid supply line that extracts a portion of the rinse water containing the CO₂ absorbent from the rinse water circulation line, is connected to a top part side of a reflux section, of the absorption liquid regeneration column, and introduces the portion of the rinse water into the reflux section, and a refluxed water supply line that extracts a portion of refluxed water from a side closer to a column bottom part than an introduction position of the reflux section, is connected to the pre-rinse section side, and introduces the portion of the refluxed water as pre-rinse water of the pre-rinse section.
 2. The CO₂ recovery device according to claim 1, further comprising: a deep rinse section that is provided on a gas flow downstream side of the main rinse section, and further performs deep rinsing of the flue gas after CO₂ removal after main rinsing with rinse water supplied from the outside.
 3. The CO₂ recovery device according to claim 1, wherein the pre-rinse section includes a pre-rinse water circulation line that supplies and circulates pre-rinse water from a top part side of the pre-rinse section, and wherein the refluxed water supply line is connected to the pre-rinse water circulation line, and a portion of the refluxed water is introduced as the pre-rinse water.
 4. The CO₂ recovery device according to claim 3, further comprising: a deep rinse section that is provided on a gas flow downstream side of the main rinse section, and further performs deep rinsing of the flue gas after CO₂ removal after main rinsing with rinse water supplied from the outside.
 5. A CO₂ recovery method of reusing a lean solution, from which CO₂ has been removed in an absorption liquid regeneration column, in a CO₂ absorption column, using the CO₂ absorption column that brings a CO₂-containing flue gas containing CO₂ into contact with a CO₂ absorption liquid and removes CO₂, and an absorption liquid regeneration column that regenerates the CO₂ absorption liquid that separates CO₂ from the CO₂ absorption liquid that has absorbed the CO₂, the method comprising: pre-rinsing the CO₂-removed flue gas using pre-rinse water extracted from a portion of reflux section obtained by a portion of rinse water used for the main rinsing being extracted, introduced into a reflux section of the absorption liquid regeneration column, and mixed with high-temperature refluxed water in the reflux section when main rinsing of CO₂-removed flue gas is performed with rinse water on a downstream side of the CO₂ absorption column, and pre-rinsing of the CO₂-removed flue gas after CO₂ recovery is performed on an upstream side where the main rinsing is performed.
 6. The CO₂ recovery method according to claim 5, wherein deep rinsing is performed with deep rinsing water supplied from the outside of a rinse section on a downstream side of the main rinse section. 